Your Dental Routine During Pregnancy

Your Dental Routine During Pregnancy

Your dental health needs change during pregnancy, so your dental routine might also need to change. If you are considering trying to conceive, now is a great time to schedule a dental exam and learn about the best ways to protect your smile and the health of your pregnancy.

1. Good Dental Hygiene

This is the cornerstone of good dental health throughout life. Between half and seventy percent of all pregnant women develop gingivitis during pregnancy, so it is even more important at this time. Use an electric toothbrush to remove all plaque from your teeth, and anti-gingivitis toothpaste to better combat this major dental health risk. Clean between your teeth, and finish with a good rinse of antibacterial mouthwash.

2. Supplements

Not all supplements and medications are okay to take during pregnancy. Some antibiotics can cause discoloration and deformities in the tooth structure of children. At the same time, you may need a higher dose of other nutrients, such as calcium. Calcium helps build strong teeth and bones in both you and your baby.

3. Morning Sickness

Frequent vomiting can seriously damage your teeth. As the stomach acids pass over your teeth, they can soften the enamel, cause erosion, and increase the risk of cavities. After vomiting, rinse with water to dilute the acid. It is important to wait about thirty minutes before brushing, as scrubbing any acid left over can damage dental enamel. Instead, you can use some fluoride mouthwash to freshen your breath.

Call us to schedule your next appointment with our team.